There are huge investments and active cooperation across the Middle East and North Africa in this rapidly growing industry, with countries and companies positioning themselves for the future.

To the east of Riyadh, on a giant campus employing advanced simulators, young Saudis are learning the mechanics of the wells and rigs of the oil and gas industry.

Scrapping foreign ownership caps and qualifying criteria will bring in more capital, with markets reacting positively to the latest reforms that build towards a more open country

With seasonal rainfall easing pressure on agriculture and nearly 20 million international tourists visiting the country, there are reasons for optimism, but youth unemployment remains a big problem

Debt is colossal but there are promising indicators, not least in inflation, legal reforms, the sale of government assets, and monetary stability. Will these green shoots be allowed to grow and bloom?

The Kremlin's economic indicators are causing unease, while smaller states in Russia's sphere of influence are eyeing opportunities to reduce their reliance on Moscow. What will the year ahead bring?

Tighter US control over Venezuelan exports won't necessarily redirect barrels, reshape trade flows, or alter global supply balances

From education and infrastructure to housing, culture, construction, creativity, technology, workforce participation, and innovation, the country is rapidly moving beyond oil

Leaving the EU has already reduced British GDP per person by 6-8%. The question now is what to do about it.

Going forward, the key question won't be what AI can do, but how we will power it and who will be granted the privilege of working alongside it